Located on the eastern side of the principality of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is often called the most beautiful city in Mexico for a good reason. The scenic streets and colorful marketplaces are a stunning example of local architecture and culture. As a winner of Travel and Leisure’s World’s Best Award in 2018, one look at any photo will show you the incredible and abiding loveliness of this unexpected gem. Moreover, with around sixty thousand people, you can feel the bustling life, without getting too bogged down in crowds. You’d probably expect the most attractive city in Mexico to sit directly on one of the many scenic beaches, but you’d be wrong. Still, there’s plenty of water around to visit, if you know where to look. I’ll give you a tour of some of the natural splendor there is to enjoy in this incredible place, so you don’t miss out on all it has to offer.
Is San Miguel de Allende near a beach? San Miguel de Allende is not near the beach. The landlocked Principality of Guanajuato is roughly equidistant between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, offering easy access to either coast. However, the lack of sandy seaside beaches won’t leave you high and dry. The massive Laja River and La Begona are just a few miles outside the city.
San Miguel de Allende is Full of Water
While there is plenty of water in and around San Miguel de Allende, the ocean is a fair distance away. On any weekend, you may find the locals playing in the river or even kayaking on one of the reservoirs. Another reservoir offers swimming if you need to have a splash in deeper water while you’re in town.
The river that runs through comes down from a higher elevation. Resultantly, the water flows through the whole city, so you will have plenty of chances to get your toes wet in San Miguel de Allende. There are natural fountains to see around the town as well.
You won’t lack for opportunities to enjoy all the water. Two presas (dams) help provide the town with water. Although some people visit simply to walk the scenic streets, or golf on the courses, swimmers and watersports enthusiasts will find plenty to love.
Ocean or not, you’ll quickly fall in love with San Miguel de Allende’s many charms. There are plenty of exceptional real estate opportunities when you decide you never want to leave. Furthermore, becoming a permanent resident isn’t as difficult as you might think, and you’ll find the people, both local and ex-pats, are incredibly friendly.
San Miguel de Allende Hot Springs
If you are not familiar with the mineral-rich soothing pleasure of a visit to natural hot springs, then you’re in for a treat. Cold, salty waves just don’t compare. With multiple spas and tours available that include horse rides and massages along with visits to the springs, you’ll never be bored.
Affording both indoor and outdoor pools that can get up to a hundred and four degrees, you will be surprised and pleased with these water features. Sit and enjoy the sunset from the water, or head indoors for a less open-to-the-elements experience. Of all the water activities around, the hot springs are the most unique.
Getting to the Beach
Because of the convenient location halfway between two oceans, you can easily visit either the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic or the Pacific from San Miguel de Allende. Tecolutla in Veracruz is about six hours, or five-hundred and twenty-five kilometers away. Thus, it is an easy drive to visit. Although the roads often have long or even multiple names, the route is relatively straightforward.
Heading to Veracruz, you’ll take the Mexico 57D to the 57S. From there, you take the M40D down to the 132D and eventually transfer to the 130D. The signs are well marked.
Getting to the Pacific coast is a longer drive in the opposite direction, but the route is even more straightforward. Take the 51 south to the 45. Follow that to the 90 and get off on the westbound 110. It should take around eight and a half hours to reach Puerto Vallarta over in Jalisco.
There may be tolls, but they’re not much, and you can sometimes circumvent them by taking a longer route if you prefer. Either way, it’s a relatively quick trip to visit two oceans from San Miguel de Allende. Living within easy reach of both the Atlantic and the Pacific is easier than you think when you opt to look into real estate in San Miguel de Allende.
Lago de Chapala
For a much quicker trip to a beach-like setting, you can visit Lago de Chapala. A mere three and a half hours down route ninety, the massive fifty-miles across lake is close enough to visit for the day and still be back by sunset. The lakeside Chapala communities are quiet and very safe to visit.
Unfortunately, Lake Chapala isn’t known for its swimming or any water sports. However, it provides drinking water to both Guadalajara and Mexico City residents, which prevents playing in the lake for practical reasons. Still, it’s a lovely view. Moreover, Chapala is a scenic place to watch the sunset.
San Miguel de Allende is Full of Wonders
You can’t see the beach from San Miguel de Allende, but there are so many wonderful things to see you’ll never miss it. Simply sightseeing the incredible architecture is a trip in itself. The historic core area of the city is a massive 43-hectare area recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 2008
, and it has been preserved for nearly two-hundred and fifty years.
The central Jardín Allende is still the bustling heart of the city. With benches and landscaped beauty, you’ll often find cultural activities going on in the Jardin (garden). Furthermore, the entire area has a history of arts dating back to its inception in the 1500s. From the ancient to the modern, San Miguel de Allende is a mecca for inspired artists and was once home to the renowned Diego Rivera.
Long term visitors and residents never lack for art classes. Additionally, those seeking more than a dalliance or weekend class can attend either the Instituto Allende or Bellas Artes. It’s easy to look into San Miguel de Allende real estate if you want to become a permanent resident, and part of the extensive culture of artists and ex-pats who come from all over the world to participate in the thriving creative scene.
While you’re in town, check out Canada de la Virgin Archaeological site. The Otomi site boasts astronomical tours and sometimes offers tourists and visitors a lunch made from locally grown foods. Guided tours are enlightening and well worth seeing at least once or twice.
Natural Wonders
Those seeking a more nature-based experience will find plenty to explore in San Miguel de Allende. A pleasant walk in Parque Benito Juarez will show you children playing, people socializing, and lots of landscaped loveliness. Otherwise, you can head over to the slightly less trafficked Parque Guadiana for a quieter stroll.
Seek out Valle de Los Senderos at least once while you’re in town. The naturally occurring pool is a chlorine-free paradise. The lotus flowers and goldfish will enchant you for hours.
El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden also makes for a visually stunning natural experience. See the birds and butterflies flitting among the vast collection of cactus and endangered species, as well as plenty of other flora. El Charco del Ingenio is magnificent in the spring and summer months.
Horseback riding, hiking, or a walk in the park, San Miguel de Allende has a lot to offer. Whether you prefer visiting open local wonders or getting the inside perspective on everything with a professional tour guide, you will be too busy to miss the beach. Take time out to see the river, or go kayaking in the local reservoir.
At the end of the day, make time for the hot springs, or wander the markets to pick up a few trinkets to remember your trip.
Final Thoughts
It may be a long drive to the ocean from San Miguel de Allende, but that doesn’t mean it’s desert-dry. You can easily catch a highway and visit the Gulf on the east coast in a few hours, or head west to the Pacific almost as fast. However, those who prefer to remain local can play on the shores of La Begona just as easily.
When you get tired of wandering the markets and taking in concerts at the Foro San Miguel Auditorium, you can stroll along a small river. Hang out by some of the smaller lakes in the area for a beachy experience without the enormous crowds and salt spray. Alternatively, try taking a dip in some of the famed hot springs for a relaxing afternoon.
You don’t need a beach or an expensive surfside city to appreciate the splendor of a day on the water. Staying in the stunning interior of Mexico is just as enjoyable, and there’s plenty of water right in San Miguel de Allende.